Local rabies case confirmed

A rabid skunk was found on the west side of town last month, prompting The Colony Animal Control officers to remind residents to be wary of animals that are known to carry the rabies virus.

The state of Texas cites five species as being the highest risks for carrying the rabies virus: coyotes, foxes, raccoons, skunks, and bats. Contact by pets or people with any of these animals should be immediately reported to The Colony Animal Control Center at 972-370-9250 so that steps can be taken to ensure the health of potential victims.

Texas Master Naturalist Donna Cole said skunks are the biggest rabies carrier in the state. As with all wildlife, residents are encouraged to minimize the potential for contact with skunks.

“It’s the same old song and dance as everything else: Limit their food and shelter,” Cole said. “Don’t leave pet food outdoors … and don’t leave brush piles around or places for them to nest.”

Skunks might also nest in sheds or attics, so Cole recommends checking those locations as well.

Cole said skunks are nocturnal and that the only time she ever sees them around town is late at night, often rooting around trash receptacles. “I’ve seen them at dusk on the Shoreline Trail, too, but that’s where they’re supposed to be so that’s good,” she said. “But if you see one during the day, that’s very suspect,” and is an indicator the animal might be sick.

Since January 1, there have been five positive rabies cases in animals confirmed in Denton County. According to a release from the city, rabies is a common concern in Texas, as there are hundreds of confirmed cases each year in the state. The risk of exposure increases during spring and summer as there is more activity on the part of animals and humans alike.

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the brain and nerves and is carried in the saliva of an affected mammal. Exposure most often occurs when a rabid animal bites another animal or a person.

There are, however, other methods of exposure. Many animals groom themselves by licking their paws and rubbing their neck and face. Exposure can occur when an infected animal scratches another animal or person. Saliva from an infected animal coming into contact with the eyes, nose, mouth or open wound of another animal or person may also spread the virus.

The Colony Animal Control Center ask residents to following these steps in order to prevent spread of the rabies virus:

*Ensure your pets are vaccinated against the rabies virus. State law requires all dogs and cats be vaccinated against the rabies virus by a licensed veterinarian every year or every three years, depending on the type of vaccination administered;

*Obey leash laws. Keep your pets contained inside a fence that keeps them in and other animals out. When walking your pet, keep her on a leash; don’t allow her to wander as this increases the chance of her coming into contact with wild animals;

*If you are bitten or scratched by any animal, immediately wash and flush the affected area with soap and water for a minimum of three minutes and report the incident to The Colony Animal Control;

*If you find a dead animal in your pet’s play area or yard, contain your pet in such a way as to keep it from coming into contact with the animal and call The Colony Animal Control to have the animal removed;

*If you find a downed bat, erratic skunk, raccoon, fox or coyote, report the animal to The Colony Animal Control immediately and under no circumstance touch the animal.

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